piping up Vertical Oil bulk storage tanks

[ampc726]

I am piping up Vertical Oil bulk storage tanks. These tanks after installation could move due to settlement. The total movement can be up to 4". What do you suggest that I do with the piping to take care of the settlement? The settlement could be span over several years.

 

[CRG]

This should not be much of a problem if you follow the guidelines for pipe flexure analysis given in ASME B31.4 code and nozzle calculations in API 650. It is only an assumption that these are the relevant code for your service and geographical area. Calculate the nozzle flexibility on the tank and support the pipe as appropriate for your 4” of required settlement. Spring hangers may be required adjacent to the tank for the required flexibility. Give some additional information regarding relevant codes, pipe dia, etc, and someone might be able to give you some detailed advice.

 

[CRG]

I did not mean to trivialize the required work in my above post. It is obvious by your question that you have not done this type of work before. If you get the relevant codes and, after careful review of the codes, you decide to try to do this work yourself, I strongly recommend you have a experienced piping engineer review your work.

Regards,
CRG

 

[DSB123]

ampc726,
Just a reminder not to forget the tank "bulging" effects in your assessment as this can be significant when assessing the actual pipe loads on the tank wall.